Indonesia to restore deforested NTT areas within decade, Prabowo says

He conveyed this during a coordination meeting on post-earthquake management in NTT at the evacuation post of the 834/Wakanga Mere Territorial Development Battalion (Yonif TP) Headquarters in Tonggurambang Village, Mbay, Nagekeo District, on Wednesday.

According to him, reduced forest cover is among the key environmental issues requiring attention in NTT.

“The problem here is the significant loss of trees. Our people therefore need to be educated that land must not be cleared by burning,” Prabowo remarked.

He said NTT reforestation must be carried out in a planned manner, involving provincial and district governments, the central government, and universities.

“Provinces and districts will be assisted by the central government and universities, coordinated by the Directorate General of Higher Education and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN),” he continued.

The government previously formed a team involving the Defense University, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and BRIN to study reforestation acceleration methods used in other countries.

As part of the program, Prabowo requested the establishment of nursery centers at provincial and district levels to produce tree seedlings and productive plants.

The head of state also encouraged implementing permaculture concepts in mountainous and environmentally damaged areas.

He said the method requires time to yield results but can significantly boost soil water retention.

“If done carefully, in four, five, or six years, it can accommodate and increase the water in the earth,” he noted.

Prabowo expressed optimism that these efforts could restore forest cover in deforested areas across NTT within a decade.

He also stressed that reforestation efforts must be accompanied by early environmental education to teach the younger generation the importance of preserving trees and avoiding land clearing by burning.

Related news: Govt optimistic to achieve reduction in deforestation by 2030

Related news: Indonesia outlines 12.7 million ha forest recovery target at COP30